I went back and forth between these two for a while. In the end went for the Canyon (and got a good deal on last years Strive 9.0SL through their outlet). If the Wicked 160 Ltd would not have had such a long waiting list I may well have gone for that.

My thoughts:

Canyon pluses:
more established brand
better warranty
frames look better thought out and finished (couldn't help thinking the YT was just a cheap copy of a LaPierre)
better paint
have a 'UK service centre'

YT pluses:
better value (their BOS bikes are incredible VFM)
frame design 'influenced' by one of the most successful AM bikes of the moment

Sizing also seemed to fit me better in the Canyon. Hard to get a good idea without sitting on one in the flesh, but through my trawling of numbers and pictures I decided the Medium YT was too long for me (and the Short too short). I went for a Medium Strive even though the online fit thing told me Small.

Also at the time I bought mine there weren't any decent English reviews of the YT: seen a fair few recently which have all been very positive.

I'm very happy with my Canyon. Can't say I've fallen in love with it, but that's probably more about me and my riding at the moment than the bike.

Just edited my post above (gave up from my phone and switched to the laptop!)

My Canyon took about a week to come (but was 'in stock'). I had actually ordered a YT which I then cancelled. Bewared of YT estimated delivery times if not in stock and back ordered: I think I would have been waiting at least 3 months for 'my bike'. Sure this won't be an issue with in stock bikes or at this time of year.

i was in the same position recently, wicked 160 ltd or strive al 8.0.
went for the strive in the end due to the number of horror stories about wait times for the YT bikes, seen some reports of people waiting 3-4 months after stated delivery date!
the BOS suspension turned me off a little too due to the fact there is no UK importer at the moment.
i'm don't regret my decision at all, it arrived exactly when canyon said it would and is a very good bike, the linkage works very well i leave it in trail mode for most climbs i only use "climb" for extended fire road drags.

Does anyone know why YT dont accept credit card? I really find it very weird otherwise would have gone for it in a heartbeat ive been eyeing the YT wicked 160Ltd.. Went for nukeproof mega instead.. Happy as larry